Crisis-proof pix survive subsidy cuts

Regional Report: Catalonia

Over the past five years, milestone Catalan slashers, chillers and thrillers — think “The Orphanage,” “REC,” “Eva” — have launched a rich generation of genre auteurs, built a lucrative export business and established a vibrant vfx and craft cottage industry in Barcelona.

For Catalonia, Spain’s rich northeast, genre has become a trademark. Can it survive rampant recession?

The film sector is already hurting. Film funds from the Catalan Institute for Cultural Companies (Icec) dropped by nearly a third from 2011’s €14 million ($17.9 million) to $12.8 million this year. Per Icec stats, 65 Catalan films shot in 2011 compared to 19 in the first half 2012.

“We have to adjust budgets even more, foster international co-productions and private investment,” says Icec director Gorka Knorr, appointed in July. “We’ll focus on less projects trying to provide new incentives,” such as tax-break financing.

“We’re all seeking international alternatives,” says Rodar y Rodar’s Joaquin Padro. “Genre’s health is great but national markets aren’t optimal. As Saint Therese of Avila said: ‘If a door is closed, we’ll open a window.’ “

Producers are now piling into international. Filmax’s slate features three English-language pics: Miguel Angel Vivas’ “I Will Die Tonight,” Manuel Carballo’s “The Returned” and Jordan Barker’s “Torment,” the last two co-produced with Canada.

“Films should learn techniques from mainstream movies, but always have ideas that matter,” says David Victori, winner of the Venice YouTube Your Films Festival, who’s now prepping a $500,000 movie, produced by Ridley Scott and Michael Fassbender.

Few Catalan genre maestros would disagree with him, crisis or no crisis.

“Puzzlement”Escandalo FilmsSoph pic from Mar Coll (“Three Days With the Family”). A middle-age woman struggles to mend her life after a serious accident. Barcelona young talent hothouse Escandalo produces.